In a letter addressed to the Deschutes County Commissioners, Bend Mayor Sally Russell is asking that County leaders ask citizens to mask up.

Though the letter is signed only by herself, Russell uses the first person plural to introduce the letter. "We are writing to you today to urge you to fulfill your roles as public health leaders and join us in informing our community of the imperative need for everyone to wear masks indoors in public spaces or anywhere else the risk of transmitting Covid-19 is high. The recent increase of Covid-19 cases in our community has been substantial and alarming."

Russell cites the infectiousness of the Delta variant as one reason for wanting the mask mandate. "A unique variant of concern appeared in Deschutes County in late June. We agree with their conclusion that this indicates the presence of the Delta variant in our community — a powerful mutation of Covid-19 that has a higher viral load (meaning a greater amount of the virus is present in the nose and mouth) and, accordingly, a much faster infectious period."

She also makes note of hospital capacity in Bend, caused by staffing shortages. "We are acutely aware of St. Charles’ staffing shortages, and we recognize the critical need to support our local health care workers through this time. Beyond that, we also realize our collective responsibility in ensuring that our hospital system is ready and able to deliver care to all of our community members."

"The City of Bend, like the rest of Deschutes County, is exhausted by the continual presence (and disturbing new activity) of this virus. The call to act, though, resounds clearly through the recent public health data. We stand with our County leadership in making a decision that puts the needs of community first and foremost," she concludes


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-08-17 08:51:23

Last Update: 2021-08-17 10:46:05